The past is never dead. It’s not even past – William Faulkner
“I love this quote,” says Eric Cook, the new Executive Director of the Venango County Historical Society. “This little bit of wisdom reminds us that our past, our community’s past, our nation’s past . . . it is all part of us, and we are part of it. We are all part of one giant ongoing story, each person contributing their bit. For me, history is really about storytelling and connecting people to each other and their stories.”
For the last eight years, Eric has been teaching history in North Carolina, but he is a native Western Pennsylvanian. Eric says, “I grew up in Armstrong County, but the Oil Region to the north was always an important part of our family life – it was the site of day trips and summer vacations. Later, my interest in the history of the coal, oil, and manufacturing in the region led me to spend a great deal of time reading and researching projects related to Northwestern PA.”
Eric graduated with honors and a BA in history from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to build pipe organs in Pittsburgh, along the way leading church music programs in Kittanning, and music for silent films. He continues that work with the Pittsburgh Film Orchestra as they bring classic movies to new audiences with live music. Eric later earned a master’s degree at Mansfield University before moving out West to teach in Montana and later North Carolina.
Coming to Franklin this fall was a much-desired return home. He says, “I am fascinated by the region’s global impact; this region comes onto the map, so to speak, during a time of international competition starting with the French and Indian War. Then this region births the most important industry in recent human history, and still today, in an age of increasing global competition, our story continues. Our region has felt the impact of decisions made in far off capital cities and financial centers, from colonial times to the present, and, when we understand that, we suddenly realize the importance local people have played in the past, and continue to play, it should inspire use to work toward a brighter future. Additionally, Franklin was my wife’s childhood home; for her, this truly is coming home.”
The Historical Society hopes to play a more active part in making this a richer and more attractive place for businesses and families. Looking to the future as well as the past, Cook says, “I think the great work that has been done by the Historical Society to preserve the region’s past needs to go forward into the 21st century, finding new ways to work with local leaders in business, education, and community improvement. We need fresh ways to tell old familiar stories, and we need to find new people and new stories to add to our region’s rich collection. I hope we can build a renewed level of trust, interest, and excitement at the Mullins-Egbert-Koos house and museum and use modern media to connect with people far and wide who have an interest in our fascinating Venango County past.”
Congratulations Eric!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.